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The tree grows to 90 meters, making it one of the tallest species in the world. It has white to cream bark which changes colour to brown as it matures and is shed. The leaves are dark green on top, and lighter underneath, and grow to a length of 12 cm. It flowers in spring and summer, and flowering is stimulated after fire. Flowers occur in groups of seven. The fruits are barrel-shaped.
The soil in which karri grows is often poor, and the tree tends to flower after fire to take anvantage of the nutrients released by the combustion of forest litter.
Karri wood is a beautiful mahogany colour, very similar to jarrah. It is used extensively in the building industry, particularly in roofs. It has the reputation of being termite-prone, although it is nowhere near as susceptible to these insects as is pine. It is also a great furniture wood.